Gillette
Middle East and Africa has recently announced its decision to sponsor Zed Al
Refai, the first Arab and Kuwaiti to climb Mount Everest, in his upcoming
climbing adventure of Mountain Cho Oyo in China.

Gillette,
known for its strong support for sports, is sponsoring Zed’s climbing
adventure in its aim to attract new Middle Eastern-based fans to the inside
story of mountain climbing heroes from this region.

About Cho
Oyo mountain: Located on the border of Tibet and Nepal, 30 Kilometres West of
Mount Everest, Cho Oyo’s 8,201 metre summit makes it the sixth highest
mountain in the world. Freezing temperatures, a summit at death zone (above
8000 meters), extreme weather conditions such as howling winds and burning sun
light, all contribute to making Cho Oyo one of the most challenging mountain
climbs in the world.

Timur Edis,
Regional Business Manager, Disposable blades and razors, Gillette Middle East
and Africa said: ”Gillette believes in encouraging an active lifestyle and has
always been a strong supporter for various sports and champions within
sports. Zed is a true global champion in mountain climbing; he is the first
Arab and Kuwait to climb Mount Everest and he made history by being the 46th
person in history to climb all 7 highest summits in the 7 continents. He is
there a role model for the Middle East and Gillette is very enthusiastic about
being involved in his Cho Oyo trip.”

Zed will
depart on his journey from Kuwait on August 24th, with five climbers from the
rest of the world, and will commence his way up to the summit of Cho Oyo on
August 28th. He said: “The Cho Oyo mission is a challenge that requires not
necessarily tremendous physical strengths, but also, the willingness of
individuals to test their potential in most extreme conditions.”

-
What is so important about Mountain Climbing?

Mountain
climbing is a sport that is practiced in many countries and of which the main
goal is to reach the top. It is exciting because you deal with elements that
are beyond human reach. You don’t know what to expect next, so it is all about
living the moment and finding ones self. Challenging your own abilities
rather than challenging the mountain.

-
How do you see the sport in the Middle East and Kuwait?

Recently,
the sport has been growing rapidly and that is why I believe this sport holds
great potential in this part of the world. The sport is challenging, and I
recommend people to start practicing it at an early age. However, my advise
would be to start with hiking then move into climbing gradually.

-
Why would you recommend the youth to exercise mountain climbing?

Just like
any other sport, it keeps you fit and healthy. You need to have an early start
if you want to make it as a professional athlete as it requires specific
physical capabilities, and stamina. We have so much free time in this part of
the world especially with the amount of luxury we have surrounding us, obesity
levels are on the continuous rise, as such, I highly recommend people to start
practicing this sport at an early age. Entry level climbing experience would
be defiantly Kilimanjaro which will cost approximately 2,000 USD excluding the
airline ticket.

-
What are the dangers of mountain climbing?

You
encounter danger just by stepping out of your own home, so it is either you
cocoon yourself and do nothing with your life, or take the risk, and reach the
top. As long as you are prepared and know the weather conditions in advance,
you will defiantly limit the chances of risk. There are various dangers that
may face us such as, heat and sun strokes or even frost bites. That is why one
should be fully prepared before going on a climbing expedition by checking the
weather conditions far in advance and descending immediately should the
weather worsen. After all, there isn’t a single mountain worth risking your
life for.

-
What are the challenges?

They are
mainly mental challenges. To get to the top is not an easy task; it requires a
certain amount of physical strength backed by strong will. Every mountain I
climbed, I would first stop at its foot for a good hour or so, thinking
whether or not I would be able to climb to the top. And many a time I would
tell myself that I won’t be able to make it to the top, only to later decide
that I will not back down. It’s all in your mind!

-
What is the physical fitness required?

I exercise
on the step master for one to three hours daily. The good thing about the
stair master is that it exercises the hips and thighs and the calf muscles. In
order to build high stamina levels, you have to push yourself to the limit.

Zed’s
biography

Who is he:
Zed Abdul-Wahab Al Refai was born and raised in Kuwait, then travelled to the
US to earn his university degree. He lived in Switzerland, U.K. and the United
Arab Emirates. Zed earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science from
Stockton State University, New Jersey. Zed lives in the U.K., Switzerland, and
UAE.

Zed is a
businessman. Types of businesses that he manages include hotel management,
finance firms, real estate, coffee distribution and general trading.

His dream:
“Gardening is something that I’ve always wanted to do. I do that in my own
house during my free time. I plant seeds and watch them grow. It’s soothing
and relaxing. I think it’s my bond with nature that shapes my dreams.

Date of
birth: 28th of October 1966

His
definition of mountain climbing: Freedom and the ability to surpass your own
limits

His
highest achievements: The first Arab and Kuwaiti to climb Mount Everest on
22nd May 2003

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